Looking for a vibrant and nutritious dish that will impress your family and friends? Dive into the delightful world of our Beet and Goat Cheese Quinoa! This Mediterranean-inspired recipe is not only a feast for the eyes with its stunning colors but also a powerhouse of flavor and health benefits. With earthy roasted beets, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy walnuts, this dish is perfect as a light main course or a colorful side. Ready to elevate your culinary game? Let’s get started on this delicious journey!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup roasted beets, diced
- 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- While quinoa is cooking, prepare the roasted beets by ensuring they are diced into small, uniform cubes approximately 1/2 inch in size.
- Once quinoa is cooked, remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes to allow it to steam and become light and tender.
- Fluff the quinoa with a fork to separate the grains and release excess moisture.
- In a large mixing bowl, gently fold the diced roasted beets into the quinoa, being careful not to break the beet pieces.
- Drizzle olive oil over the quinoa and beet mixture, seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese and chopped walnuts over the top of the dish.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for added color and a burst of herbal flavor.
- Serve warm or at room temperature as a nutritious and colorful side dish or light main course.
Tips
- Rinse Your Quinoa: Always rinse quinoa under cold water before cooking to eliminate its natural bitter coating, ensuring a pleasant taste in your final dish.
- Perfectly Cooked Quinoa: Make sure to keep an eye on the quinoa while it simmers. The water should be fully absorbed, and the grains should appear fluffy and tender once cooked.
- Uniform Beet Dicing: When preparing your roasted beets, aim for uniform 1/2 inch cubes to ensure even mixing and presentation in your quinoa.
- Resting Time: Allow the cooked quinoa to rest covered for 5 minutes after cooking. This step is crucial for achieving a light and airy texture.
- Gentle Mixing: When combining the beets with the quinoa, fold them in gently to prevent breaking the delicate beet pieces, maintaining the dish's visual appeal.
- Seasoning to Taste: Don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your preference. A little extra seasoning can elevate the flavors beautifully.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for any occasion. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal!
- Garnish for Flair: Adding fresh parsley not only enhances the dish's color but also brings a fresh herbal note that complements the flavors perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
